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News

Every week, we share opportunities, action items and a selection of media stories that relate to the farm to school movement. To submit an item for consideration, send us an email. To be considered, content should be of national interest to the farm to school community.

Grants & Funding1. Target Field Trip GrantsSome of the best learning opportunities happen outside the classroom. Target’s Field Trip Grants help make it possible for schools to give their students these unique learning opportunities. As part of the program, Target stores award Field Trip Grants to K-12 schools nationwide. Each grant is valued up to $700. Consider applying for a grant to take students to a farm, farmers market, or other food production site. Applications are due Oct. 1. Learn more here.

2. Youth Educator GrantsNorth Central Region SARE recognizes that youth programs are a way to introduce new and exciting farming and ranching options to youth, parents, and community members. This program supports opportunities for youth educators to research, demonstrate, and learn more about sustainable agriculture. Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded. Proposals are due in November. Learn more here.

Webinars & Events1. Webinar: Local Wellness Policies with the CDC & USDASeptember 1, 1-2pm ETAlliance for a Healthier Generation is co-hosting a webinar with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture about the local wellness policy final rule. Learn how your school can start making changes before the implementation deadline (June 30, 2017) and what tools and resources are available to support your efforts. Register here.2. NESAWG It Take Region ConferenceNovember 10-12 // Hartford, CTEarlybird registration for NESAWG's 2016 It Takes a Region Conference is now open. The Conference, now in its 23rd year, brings together practitioners and professionals from across the Northeast to explore ideas that move us towards a more sustainable and just farm and food system. This year's conference theme is Tackling Wicked Problems in Food Systems. To learn more, visit here.

Research & Resources1. NFSN Named Pioneer in Wellbeing Initiative
NFSN is proud to be named a Pioneer in the RWJF and Ashoka Childrens Wellbeing Initiative. Visit our project page to learn more about how NFSN's Farm to Early Care and Education Working Group is supporting child wellbeing across the country. "Like" our project to show your support for farm to early care and education as a vital initiative to empower families and communities and connect children to healthy, local foods and high quality education opportunities.

Farm to school in the newsNorwich's farm-to-school program prepares food for new school yearNorwich Public Schools (Conn.) is preparing for the new school year by filling its cafeteria freezers with fresh, local produce, including corn, summer squash and apples. “This started as an experiment, and now it's a model. We hope we'll be able to increase the amount of Connecticut-grown food in schools across the state.” The Day

At schools, healthier options pass the taste testIn schools across Massachusetts, school officials are striving to empower mindful eaters by teaching children where their food comes from while simultaneously supporting local farmers. From school gardens to taste tests to food demonstrations in the classroom, there are many ways these schools are bringing farm to school. Boston Globe

Back to School: Local school gardens help kidsIn Wisconsin, school gardens are helping students eat more fruits and vegetables and improve their social skills by working with others. "When you can plant something from a seed and you can see it from little plant to a producing plant that is more valuable than a picture in a textbook showing you the life cycle of a bean plant.” WSAW

Read past editions of This Week for more funding opportunities, webinars and events, jobs, and ways to take action to support farm to school growth across the country.

Every week, we share opportunities, action items and a selection of media stories that relate to the farm to school movement. To submit an item for consideration, send us an email. To be considered, content should be of national interest to the farm to school community.

Grants & Funding1. Voices for Healthy Kids Grants
Voices for Healthy Kids has two funding opportunities now accepting applications: Strategic Campaign Funds Open RFA and Incubator Grants. The goal of the grant opportunities is to make effective strategic investments in ongoing state, local, and tribal public policy issue campaigns in order to increase public policy impact on healthy weight and living among children. Voices for Healthy Kids is focusing efforts in schools, community, and out-of-school time/early care and education. Applications are due August 18 (Incubator Grants) and September 1 (Open RFA). Learn more here.

Webinars & Events1. Webinar: Innovative Distribution Strategies for Increasing Access to Local and Healthy FoodsAugust 17, 2-3pm ET
This webinar will provide strategies on how community health organizations can help expand the availability and quality of affordable healthy food, including locally-grown food, as part of a comprehensive approach to supporting equitable and healthy communities. Subject matter experts will share the results on a national study of small store food distribution strategies. Community presenters will share stories from three healthy corner store programs, each using different innovative distribution models including food hubs, gleaning (or collecting excess fresh foods), working with community gardens and urban agriculture, hub-and-spoke delivery systems, and leveraging The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs. Learn more and register here.

2. Registration Open: Growing Power’s Urban and Small Farms Conference 2016November 18-20 // Milwaukee, WI
Every two years, hundreds of people from around the world travel to Milwaukee to participate in an intensive three day conference that covers urban aquaculture, urban farming, planning strategies, education, youth programming, food policy and food justice. The conference theme for 2016 is Let's Scale it Up! Growing Food and Farmers: Best practices in growing, distribution and community building. It is time for the Good Food Revolution to scale up and really push ourselves to move beyond just one garden or one market but how can we make things better for ourselves, our neighbors, and our world. Learn more about the conference and register here.

Research & Resources1. Research: The Influence of School Nutrition Programs on the Weight of Low-Income Children
This study reiterates the link between schools meals and obesity in low income children, and identifies farm to school as a potential policy strategy for improving school meal programs’ effectiveness at promoting better nutrition. An overview of the study is available here.

Farm to school in the newsRootstock Radio: Farm to School with Anupama Joshi
Last week on Rootstock Radio, co-host Anne O’Connor spoke with Anupama Joshi, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the National Farm to School Network, about the benefits of farm to school and healthier school meals. Listen here.

Good to Grow: Back-to-School Gardens
It's almost back-to-school time, which means many students will soon be heading back into school garden. Learn how schools are creating and maintaining different types of school gardens with the help of Master Gardeners. KETP Radio

Read past editions of This Week for more funding opportunities, webinars and events, jobs, and ways to take action to support farm to school growth across the country.

Every week, we share opportunities, action items and a selection of media stories that relate to the farm to school movement. To submit an item for consideration, send us an email. To be considered, content should be of national interest to the farm to school community.

Grants & Funding1. Voices for Healthy Kids Grants
Voices for Healthy Kids has two funding opportunities now accepting applications: Strategic Campaign Funds Open RFA and Incubator Grants. The goal of the grant opportunities is to make effective strategic investments in ongoing state, local, and tribal public policy issue campaigns in order to increase public policy impact on healthy weight and living among children. Voices for Healthy Kids is focusing efforts in schools, community, and out-of-school time/early care and education. Applications are due August 18 (Incubator Grants) and September 1 (Open RFA). Learn more here.

2. EcoLab Foundation Grants
Through the Ecolab Foundation, grants are made to qualifying non-profit organizations in the St. Paul, MN area and U.S. Ecolab regional locations that align with their focus areas: Youth & Education, Civic & Community Development, Environment & Conservation, Arts & Culture. The application process is now open. Deadline to submit applications: August 31, 2016, 11:59pm CDT. Learn more here.

Webinars & Events1. Webinar: Explore the 2015 USDA Farm to School Census August 11, 3pm ET
Join the National Farm to School Network and USDA FNS Office of Community Food Systems on Thursday, August 11 at 3pm ET for an in-depth review of the 2015 USDA Farm to School Census. Presenters will provide an overview of the Farm to School Census website, including the recently posted raw data files and soon to be released data explorer tool. Presenters will also describe ways in which Census data can be used at the local, state, and national levels in support of farm to school. Register for the webinar here.

2. Webinar: Local Wellness Policies with the CDC & USDASeptember 1, 1-2pm ET
Alliance for a Healthier Generation will be hosting a webinar on local wellness policies with the CDC and USDA on Thursday, September 1 from 1-2pm ET. The webinar will help assist you with the implantation of the USDA’s new final rule on local school wellness policy. Learn more here.

3. Registration Open: Growing Power’s Urban and Small Farms Conference 2016November 18-20 // Milwaukee, WI
Every two years, hundreds of people from around the world travel to Milwaukee to participate in an intensive three day conference that covers urban aquaculture, urban farming, planning strategies, education, youth programming, food policy and food justice. The conference theme for 2016 is Let's Scale it Up! Growing Food and Farmers: Best practices in growing, distribution and community building. It is time for the Good Food Revolution to scale up and really push ourselves to move beyond just one garden or one market but how can we make things better for ourselves, our neighbors, and our world. Learn more about the conference and register here.

Research & Resources1. Report: Getting it There: The Role of New England Food Distributors in Providing Local Food to Institutions
Farm to Institution New England has announced the publication of the first in its new series of research reports designed to help food system stakeholders understand the impact of institutional markets on New England's food system. “Getting it There: The Role of New England Food Distributors in Providing Local Food to Institutions” presents in-depth findings and makes specific, data-based recommendations for food distributors – including food hubs – as well as government officials, funders and institutions. Explore the report here.

Jobs & Opportunities1. Executive Director, Green Mountain Farm-to-School
Green Mountain Farm-to-School (GMFTS) seeks a dynamic, passionate, experienced nonprofit leader who will grow their efforts to strengthen local food systems in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The ED must have a passion for the GMFTS work, demonstrated strengths in marketing and fundraising, a strategic vision, and the ability to support day-to-day operations of a small organization. More information here.
2. Lead Educator + School Gardens Coordinator, City Blossoms
City Blossoms seeks a Lead Educator + School Gardens Coordinator to join their team. This position is designed to expand and lead City Blossoms' programming at partnering early childhood centers and elementary schools. The position will include further designing the year-round educational programs at various sites throughout Washington, DC, leading regular workshops and documenting the process. Learn more here.
3. Vice President of Finance and Administration, Healthy School Campaign
Healthy Schools Campaign is seeking a Vice President of Finance and Administration. This key position will serve as a strategic thought partner and a hands-on manager who will lead a team in the following areas: finance; planning and budgeting; human resource administration; administration and IT and CRM. More information about the position and the application can be found here.

Read past editions of This Week for more funding opportunities, webinars and events, jobs, and ways to take action to support farm to school growth across the country.

Every week, we share opportunities, action items and a selection of media stories that relate to the farm to school movement. To submit an item for consideration, send us an email. To be considered, content should be of national interest to the farm to school community.

Grants & Funding
1. Lowe's Charitable and Education Foundation Accepting Applications for Toolbox for Education Grants
The Lowe's Charitable and Education Foundation has announced the opening of its Fall 2016 Toolbox for Education, which supports projects that encourage parent involvement in local schools and build stronger community spirit. One-year grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to projects with the potential to have a permanent impact on a school community, such as facility enhancement (indoor or outdoor) or landscaping/clean-up projects. In addition, Toolbox grants can be used as part of a large-scale project like a playground, as long as the grant will be used to complete a phase of the project that can be completed within twelve months of the award. Learn more and apply here.

Webinars & Events1. Webinar: Explore the 2015 USDA Farm to School Census August 11, 3pm ET
Join the National Farm to School Network and USDA FNS Office of Community Food Systems on Thursday, August 11 at 3pm ET for an in-depth review of the 2015 USDA Farm to School Census. Presenters will provide an overview of the Farm to School Census website, including the recently posted raw data files and soon to be released data explorer tool. Presenters will also describe ways in which Census data can be used at the local, state, and national levels in support of farm to school. Register for the webinar here.
2. Webinar: Make Healthy Food the Easy Choice - Best Practices for Healthy Food PromotionAugust 8, 10am-12pm ET
You’re invited to join Ecology Center, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, and Taste the Local Difference as they explore ways to promote healthy, local, and sustainable food efforts at your business, school, hospital, or food pantry. Register here.
3. Three Perspectives on Food: A Conversation between Will Allen, Ron Finley and Alice WatersNovember 18 // Milwaukee, WI
Join Leaders in the food world as they come together to share their perspective on how farming, social justice and the culinary arts can be powerful tools for equity, locally, nationally, and internationally. How can we scale up from small school gardens to school farms that can nourish a community? How do we connect and support permanent land use by the community for food production as well as economic and cultural development? This event also coincides with Growing Power's National-International Urban and Small Farms Conference. Learn more here.

Research & Resources1. Institutional Food Networks Survey
A Seattle based researcher is developing recommendations for a network of service providers that assist institutions (schools, hospitals, corporate campuses, corrections, sporting centers, and others) in locating and purchasing local and regional food - both direct through farmers and food hubs, but also through traditional supply chains. She seeks information about networks that are established and support similar Farm 2 Institution/Farm 2 Cafeteria efforts. If you have information about networks like this, please fill out this survey by Friday, August 12.

Farm to school in the newsEducators embrace school gardens as multidisciplinary teaching tool
Teachers in Oregon are learning how school gardens can be used to engage students in fun, outdoor, hands-on science lessons. Students “actually learn to garden — they learn how to grow their own food and make a connection with it and start to see how they fit into the web of the world. It’s so comprehensive.” (via The Register-Guard)

Schools nurture students’ agriculture interests
Agriculture offers a hands-on way to study STEM, and provides an avenue to hundreds of potential careers in biology, chemistry, veterinary science, environmental policy, food science and nutrition, entrepreneurship and more. Penn Manor High School (Pa.) and Schurz High School (Ill.) explain their programs. (via USA Today)

Every week, we share opportunities, action items and a selection of media stories that relate to the farm to school movement. To submit an item for consideration, send us an email. To be considered, content should be of national interest to the farm to school community.

Grants & Funding1. INUAg 2016 Leaders in Urban Agriculture Awards
INUAg is now accepting submissions for the 2016 Leaders in Urban Agriculture Awards. They will present awards for 1st ($1,000) 2nd ($700) and 3rd place ($300) in each of the following categories to urban farming projects building better food systems around the world: Educating Communities, Food Justice, Innovation. Submissions are due August 15. Learn more here.

Webinars & Events1. Webinar: Explore the 2015 USDA Farm to School Census August 11, 3pm ET
Join the National Farm to School Network and USDA FNS Office of Community Food Systems on Thursday, August 11 at 3pm ET for an in-depth review of the 2015 USDA Farm to School Census. Presenters will provide an overview of the Farm to School Census website, including the recently posted raw data files and soon to be released data explorer tool. Presenters will also describe ways in which Census data can be used at the local, state, and national levels in support of farm to school. Register for the webinar here.

2. Registration Open: Southern Obesity SummitNovember 13-15 // Houston, Texas
Registration for the 10th Annual Southern Obesity Summit is now open. The Southern Obesity Summit is the largest regional obesity prevention event in the United States, drawing hundreds of participants from 16 Southern States. The 10th Annual Southern Obesity Summit will help stakeholders strategize next steps to implement policy and program initiatives across all 16 states and effectively engage youth in our strategies to prevent obesity. Learn more and register here.

3. NESAWG It Takes a Region ConferenceNovember 10-12 // Hartford, CT
Earlybird registration for NESAWG's 2016 It Takes a Region Conference opens August 1. The Conference, now in its 23rd year, brings together practitioners and professionals from across the Northeast to explore ideas that move us towards a more sustainable and just farm and food system. This year's conference theme is Tackling Wicked Problems in Food Systems. NESAWG has printed 1,500 conference postcards and needs your help to get them to the right people. If you can help distribute the postcards, email Julia Fiore (julia@nesawg.com). Learn more about the conference here.

Research & Resources1. USDA Announces 4 Major School Meals Rules
Last week, USDA announced four final rules that will ensure that children have access to healthy snacks and that nutrition standards for the foods marketed and served in schools are consistent. The rules include: Local School Wellness Policy final rule; Smart Snacks in School final rule; Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) final rule; and, Administrative Review final rule. Learn more here.

Jobs & Opportunities1. Research Fellow, School Food Focus
School Food Focus seeks a part-time Research Fellow to join its PreK-12 School Food: Making It Healthier, Making It Regional (MHMR) study. MHMR is a two-year project, conducted by School Food Focus in conjunction with Rutgers University, to study the impact of shifting public school food procurement to more healthful and/or more regional foods. The Research Fellow will contribute to all aspects of the study, particularly data collection, data analysis, and writing of final reports. Applications are due August 5. Learn more and apply here.

Farm to school in the newsSalem serves up summer meals
The Salem Summer Meals Program (Salem, Mass.) provides free breakfast and lunch to children while school is out. Among meals served are fresh salads harvested from Salem High School’s Freight Farm, a sustainable garden built into a refurbished freight car, located in Salem High School’s parking lot. (via Salem Gazette)

Lake Geneva school grows food for lunch program
"When I got involved with these agriculture classes, I made a whole group of new friends that are now like my family. I love the agricultural aspect, and I've found there are ways that someone who doesn't live on a farm can still raise food,” says Bryn Rohde, Badger High School student. (via Wisconsin State Farmer)
Teachers learn about planting school gardens
About 40 teachers from across Virginia have taken part in a two-day workshop to learn about a more hands-on approach to education. The teachers are learning how to start and maintain gardens, and how to connect school gardens to school cafeterias. (via WHSV)

Read past editions of This Week for more funding opportunities, webinars and events, jobs, and ways to take action to support farm to school growth across the country.

Every week, we share opportunities, action items and a selection of media stories that relate to the farm to school movement. To submit an item for consideration, send us an email. To be considered, content should be of national interest to the farm to school community.

Grants & Funding
1. INUAg 2016 Leaders in Urban Agriculture Awards
INUAg is now accepting submissions for the 2016 Leaders in Urban Agriculture Awards. They will present awards for 1st ($1,000) 2nd ($700) and 3rd place ($300) in each of the following categories to urban farming projects building better food systems around the world: Educating Communities, Food Justice, Innovation. Submissions are due August 15. Learn more here.

Webinars & Events
1. Webinar: Explore the 2015 USDA Farm to School Census
August 11, 3pm ET
Join the National Farm to School Network and USDA FNS Office of Community Food Systems on Thursday, August 11 at 3pm ET for an in-depth review of the 2015 USDA Farm to School Census. Presenters will provide an overview of the Farm to School Census website, including the recently posted raw data files and soon to be released data explorer tool. Presenters will also describe ways in which Census data can be used at the local, state, and national levels in support of farm to school. Register for the webinar here.

Research & Resources
1. Full Report: Results from a National Survey of Early Care and Education Providers
Earlier this year, the National Farm to School Network launched the preliminary results of our 2015 survey of early care and education providers. With nearly 1,500 providers in 49 state and Washington, D.C., responding, we learned that farm to school in early care and education is promoting healthy eating habits and providing high quality learning environments for thousands of children at a critical stage of development. A full report of the survey results is now available for download. Looking for a quick overview of the highlights? Check out our infographic and one-page fact sheet.

2. Keynote Videos Available from 8th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
In June, more than 1,000 farm to cafeteria leaders gathered in Madison, Wis., for three days of learning, networking and idea sharing at the 8th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference. Among the highlights were keynote addresses given by some of the most instrumental leaders driving the farm to cafeteria movement forward. Recordings of the keynote addresses are now available on YouTube. Watch them here.

Jobs & Opportunities
1. Program Director, Chef Ann Foundation
The Chef Anna Foundation seeks a Program Director to joins its team. This full time position will be responsible for all work as it relates to the development, implementation and management of Chef Ann Foundation’s online learning program in addition to other program oversight. Learn more and apply here.
2. Executive Director, Green Mountain Farm to School
Green Mountain Farm to School seeks an Executive Director to join its team. The Executive Director will lead GMFTS by managing the finances, staff, programs, and structure required to enact GMFTS’s mission. Learn more and apply here.
3. Event & Project Coordinator, Farm to Institution New England
The FINE Event and Project Coordinator will play a lead role in coordinating the 2017 Farm to Institution Summit in April 2017, working in close contact with the Summit Steering Committee and FINE staff. The Coordinator will also support event planning for other events that FINE conducts and provide coordination functions for other FINE projects including the Processing Community of Practice and Harvest of the Month Community of Practice. Learn more and apply here.

Farm to school in the newsSchools use ag to educate students about food system - shout out to Lorin Fahrmeier, NFSN Missouri State Lead!
Farm to school efforts in Missouri support rural economies, put more nutritious foods into the school system and educate students about their food and where it comes from. School gardens, farm field trips and local food procurement are taking off. (via Missouri Farmer Today)

University works to bring local food to dining halls
The executive chef of Southern Illinois University has for years been in the forefront of a program aimed at increasing food purchased from small-acreage farmers in the region. An Illinois mandate requires that by 2020, state-funded institutions such as universities and prisons purchase at least 20 percent of meat and produce from farms within a 250-mile radius. (via Illinois Farmer Today)

Read past editions of This Week for more funding opportunities, webinars and events, jobs, and ways to take action to support farm to school growth across the country.

Every week, we share opportunities, action items and a selection of media stories that relate to the farm to school movement. To submit an item for consideration, send us an email. To be considered, content should be of national interest to the farm to school community.

Webinars & Events
1. Webinar: Explore the 2015 USDA Farm to School Census
August 11, 3pm ET
Join the National Farm to School Network and USDA FNS Office of Community Food Systems on Thursday, August 11 at 3pm ET for an in-depth review of the 2015 USDA Farm to School Census. Presenters will provide an overview of the Farm to School Census website, including the recently posted raw data files and soon to be released data explorer tool. Presenters will also describe ways in which Census data can be used at the local, state, and national levels in support of farm to school. Register for the webinar here.

2. Webinar: State Food Policy Council Call
July 25, 2:30-4pm EDT
You’re invited to an initial virtual convening of statewide food policy councils to talk about what is happening in states to network local food policy councils and/or change policy. If you are the manager, director, chairperson, coordinator or leader of a statewide food policy council that works on food and farm policies at the state level and/or you convene a network of local food policy councils from across the state, we want you to join us. The call is being coordinated jointly by the John Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, Community Food Strategies, a project led by the Center for Environmental Farming Systems, and Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems. Register here.

3. Last Call for Submissions: Fourth Annual Yale Food Systems Symposium
September 30, New Haven, CT
The Fourth Annual Yale Food Systems Symposium planning committee is now accepting submissions to present at this year's event, to be held September 30, 2016 at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies in New Haven, CT. This year's theme surrounds the topic of "Feeding a Growing World: Perspectives in 2016." Please see their website for the full RFP and for the online form to submit proposals. Submissions are due July 15.

Research & Resources1. Report: School District Wellness Policies
The Bridging the Gap/National Wellness Policy Study District Wellness Policy Monograph has been released, which covers the first eight years of the wellness policy requirement for school years 2006-07 through 2013-14. Using a nationally representative sample of school districts, this report provides details about the characteristics of these districts as well as the individual components of wellness policies and related provisions. View the report here.

Jobs & Opportunities1. Executive Director of Food and Child Nutrition Services, Cleveland Metropolitan School District
CMSD seeks a full-time Executive Director of Food and Child Nutrition Services. Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer, the Executive Director of Food and Child Nutrition Services will oversee all aspects of the district’s Child Nutrition Program operation. Learn more and apply here.

2. Agriculture Development Coordinator, Vermont Agency of Agriculture
This Agriculture Development Coordinator temporary position will have project management responsibilities associated with the Vermont Farm to School (FTS) grant program, engagement in broader farm to institution project efforts, and extensive relationship building and communication with statewide food system stakeholders and partners. Learn more here.

Farm to school in the newsLessons sprout from soil, water, hard work - shout out to Elaine McDonnell, NFSN Pennsylvania State Lead!
More than 133 school gardens are growing across Pennsylvania, such as the small farm at Bucks County's Bristol Middle-High School. In four years, the garden has grown from 21 raised beds, an herb wall, a pond, arbors, tree-shaded picnic benches, and a new vermiculture system in which worms turn food waste into nutrient-rich compost. (via The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Edible gardens growing more popular in schools, communities
Connecticut students within a growing number of public schools are doing hands-on work with edible gardens. “Edible schoolyards are an effective way to engage families in students’ learning. Getting families interested in school gardens helps entire communities benefit from sustainable gardening and benefits the environment in the long run.” (via Journal Inquirer)

Read past editions of This Week for more funding opportunities, webinars and events, jobs, and ways to take action to support farm to school growth across the country.

Every week, we share opportunities, action items and a selection of media stories that relate to the farm to school movement. To submit an item for consideration, send us an email. To be considered, content should be of national interest to the farm to school community.

Webinars & Events1. Webinar: Explore the 2015 USDA Farm to School Census August 11, 3pm ET
Join the National Farm to School Network and USDA FNS Office of Community Food Systems on Thursday, August 11 at 3pm ET for an in-depth review of the 2015 USDA Farm to School Census. Presenters will provide an overview of the Farm to School Census website, including the recently posted raw data files and soon to be released data explorer tool. Presenters will also describe ways in which Census data can be used at the local, state, and national levels in support of farm to school. Register for the webinar here.

Research & Resources1. A Complete History of the Social, Health, and Political Context of the School Gardening Movement in the United States: 1840–2014
Early 19th-century educators established school gardens with the same intent as today: to create a meaningful learning environment that connects students with food and nature. What has been more varied and less explored are the social, health, and political contexts behind the ebb and flow of support for school garden over the past 150 years, with this kind of exploration about the last few decades being particularly absent. This article demonstrates how school gardens are a mainstay in the United States as a result of their fluidity and unique ability to attach to important social, health, and political issues. Read the article here.

2. Foods From the Islands: Changing the way we feed our kids
Farm to Cafeteria Canada, the Social Planning and Research Council of BC, and its partners with Nourishing School Communities and on Haida Gwaii are pleased to announce the release of a new video "Local Foods to School: Reconnecting the children of Haida Gwaii to their food and land.“ This 8 minute video illuminates what is possible when communities are supported with the resources they need to realize their vision to get healthy local foods on the minds and on the plates of student. Watch the video here.

Jobs & Opportunities1. REAP Farm to School Team Members
REAP Food Group is currently seeking candidates to fill four AmeriCorps positions with the REAP Farm to School program. They are recruiting three Nutrition Educators and one Community Outreach member. Learn more and apply here.

Read past editions of This Week for more funding opportunities, webinars and events, jobs, and ways to take action to support farm to school growth across the country.